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- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste To make this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, gather fresh, tasty ingredients. The chickpeas are the star. They bring protein and fiber. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. The cucumber gives crunch, while red onion brings a mild bite. Kalamata olives add a salty kick, and feta cheese gives it a creamy touch. When you prepare the salad, remember to rinse the chickpeas first. This helps remove extra salt. Halve the cherry tomatoes for easy bites. Dice the cucumber into small pieces for balance. Finely chop the red onion, so it mixes well without overpowering the dish. The fresh parsley adds a pop of green. Olive oil and lemon juice create a bright dressing. Dried oregano gives it that classic Mediterranean flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. This salad is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish. - Step 1: Combine primary ingredients Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add one can of drained chickpeas, one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one diced cucumber, and half of a finely chopped red onion. Mix these ingredients well. - Step 2: Add olives and feta Next, add a quarter cup of sliced Kalamata olives and a quarter cup of crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. This will add a salty and rich flavor to your salad. - Step 3: Prepare the dressing In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of lemon juice, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and some salt and pepper. This dressing ties the salad together. - Step 4: Toss to combine Pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated. Be careful not to mash the chickpeas. - Step 5: Let sit for flavor melding Allow the salad to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend, making each bite even tastier. - Step 6: Presentation tips Serve the salad in a large bowl. Top it with extra feta cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color. For individual servings, consider using clear glass bowls. This way, everyone can see the vibrant colors of the salad. For the complete details of this dish, refer to the Full Recipe. To enjoy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, serve it cold. This salad is light and fresh. It makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish. You can also add it to a wrap with some greens for a quick lunch. For a fun twist, serve it on a bed of quinoa or couscous. This adds more texture and flavor. When picking ingredients, always choose fresh ones. Look for firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. They should have bright colors. For the dressing, whisk the olive oil and lemon juice together well. This helps blend the flavors. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps all the tastes mix nicely. For a thicker dressing, add more olive oil. You want it to coat the veggies well without being too runny. {{image_2}} You can swap chickpeas for other beans. Black beans or kidney beans work well too. For a lighter option, try using cooked quinoa or lentils. They add a nice texture. You can also add more veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, or spinach are great choices. Fresh herbs can make the salad pop. Try basil, mint, or cilantro for new flavors. The dressing can change the whole salad. You can use avocado oil instead of olive oil. For a tangy twist, try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both add brightness. If you want it creamy, mix in some tahini or a dairy-free yogurt. To keep it dairy-free, just leave out the feta or use a plant-based cheese instead. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this dish! To keep your Mediterranean Chickpea Salad fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cover the container tightly. This will help keep the flavors strong. When stored properly, the salad lasts about 3 to 5 days. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch. If you notice any off-smells, it is best to toss it. Enjoy the salad while it's fresh for the best taste! Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors meld. I suggest making it a few hours before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. What are the nutritional benefits of chickpeas? Chickpeas are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. They help keep you full and support digestion. They also contain iron, which is great for energy. Plus, they have healthy fats that can boost heart health. How long can Mediterranean Chickpea Salad last in the fridge? This salad will stay fresh for about three to five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for the best results. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy this delicious dish! Check out the Full Recipe for more details! This blog post shared a simple Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe. We covered key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for the best taste. You learned about variations to suit your taste and how to store leftovers properly. In short, this salad is tasty, fresh, and easy to make. Enjoy it as a side or main dish. It’s perfect for any meal. Try it out, and make it your own!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with this easy recipe! Loaded with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and feta, it’s the perfect healthy dish for lunch or a light dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad not only tastes great but also looks stunning on any table.
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion.

    Add the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.

          Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and give it a final light toss for presentation.

            Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl, topped with extra feta cheese and parsley. For individual servings, use clear glass bowls to show off the vibrant colors of the salad.